Jewish stories for children of all ages

Rabbi Eliyahu Baal Shem of Wurms

When the "Sefardishe Yid" of Cracow (Kroke) offers to marry a young chalitza at the age of 80, the townspeople knew that something special was happening, but 13 years later, the child of this union shows that he is very special indeed, and later becomes the famous Baal Mofes, Rabbi Eliyahu the Baal Shem of Wurms.

Pesach lasts for eight days

When the Poretz's Jewish business manager loses his good position after being slandered by someone he had helped, he appeals to his Rebbe, Rabbi Meir Premishlaner, who in turn speaks with Rabbi Naftoli, the Lizhensker Rebbe's einikel. Rabbi Naftoli reminds the Jewish business manager that "Pesach lasts for eight days" and the business manager soon regains his position.

The Lelover Rebbe and the wealthy Jew

Before Rabbi Dovid became known as the Lelover Rebbe, he was a talmid of Rabbi Elimelech and once received a ride to Lizhensk from a wealthy Jew. Since Rabbi Dovid appeared to be a poor beggar, the wealthy Jew made fun of Rabbi Dovid's appearance. Soon afterwards, the wealthy Jew realized that he had made a big mistake.

The Baal Shem Tov's Seder in Constantinople

The holy Baal Shem Tov is traveling to the Holy Land when he must stop in Constantinople with his daughter Udel for Pesach. During the seder, the Baal Shem Tov recites the verse "To He Alone who performs great miracles" with tremendous feeling. Later, their host asks the reason for this and discovers that a miracle had indeed happened at that moment, saving the Jews of the city from a calamity.

Saved by the Zidichover Rebbe

Sholom Mordechai Schwadron, known as the Maharsham, once fell ill as a young man. When he recovered, he told an incredible story of his encounter with a Yid named Eichenstein who advocated for him in Shomayim.

The boy who saved Purim with his gragger

When the Crown Prince falls ill while on a tour through Russia, he is taken to a little town named Vardik and lodged next to the shul. Due to his condition, the doctors order complete silence, but it's Purim and one little boy saves the Jews with his simple joy.

Purim with the Shpoler Zeide

When a Jew named Mendel is falsely accused of theft, he appeals to the Shpoler Zeide, Reb Aryeh Leib, for help. The Rebbe arranges for a lawyer after Mendel gives 300 rubles to help an orphaned bride get married and tells Mendel to make sure the trial will be held on Purim. While the townspeople of Shpole enjoy the Rebbe's Purim shpiel, Mendel sees a Purim miracle unfold before his eyes in court.

Purim of the invisible ink

The Sheikh of Sana, capital city of Yemen, enjoys a drop of wine from time to time. The Imam does not approve and schemes to be rid of the Sheikh and his new advisor, Mordechai ben Yair, whose skill with the properties of ink brings a most surprising and satisfactory conclusion to a very dangerous situation for the Jews of Sana.

Leib and the greedy guest

Leib is an excellent host, and when he takes pride in his performance of the mitzvah of hachnosas orchim, welcoming guests, it is decreed that his boasting must be atoned for. A greedy guest sets in motion a long journey of wandering for Leib, until one Shabbos when he stays with a familiar face.

The Miracle of the Bomb

When French forces under Napoleon besiege the Italian city of Fossano, in the picturesque Alps, the non-Jewish inhabitants use it as an excuse to victimize the Jews during Chol Hamoed Pesach, but the simcha of the sedorim and their pure faith intercede and they are miraculously saved.